History Of LeoPalooza (the event)

The Early Days - PrePalooza

The royal O'Neill clan came from Dromore, in County Down , Northern Ireland. The family name is steeped in the history of the area. The red hand incorporated into the LeoPalooza logo is a reminder of the heritage and family ties to the Ulster province of Ireland.

Here you see Leo sitting with his grandfather David O'Neill - learning early lessons of how to relax after his first (of what turned out to be many) pint of Guinness.

The Tradition Begins

This year for the 9th time, we will come together and celebrate an evening of friendship. The roots of this party (face it - that's what this is!) stretch back to the late winter of 1999 when Leo's wife, Lori suggested they invite some friends over on the weekend before St. Patrick's Day. The group that came together on that March 11th evening by then considered each of the others as family. "The Team" had worked together for the previous 2-plus years on a project that sent them to many corners of the world. That spring was marking the end of that effort, and everyone knew that all of them would be reassigned to new projects, and many would depart for new jobs altogether. Over the course of the night, many memories of the experience they shared were relived, and they all knew the truly rare and exceptional experience they had been allowed to share together. At it's essence, the night of March 11, 2000 was about a celebration friendship - an opportunity to cherish the people and events that shape our lives.

Sadly, Lori passed away suddenly the following July. The loss of this great woman who meant so much to all of us only reinforced what we knew - that at the end of the day, the stresses and frustrations of daily life should be kept in perspective. Life is short, and the friendships you make are among the most important things you'll ever accomplish. It is in the spirit of that thought, and in memory of a wonderful wife and friend, that we have carried forward the tradition of this annual gathering. A day to spend with friends both old and new, and celebrate the things we all require to live - food, friends, and drink.

We are proud that our extended family has grown each year - so much that Leo's perpetual-renovation-home just couldn't handle the load. In 2005, the event was moved to the gymnasium at St. Joan of Arc. At the same time, LeoPalooza, Inc. was formed as an Indiana 501(c) organization to host and sponsor social events and provide charitable support to various organizations. We are greatful for the support and participation provided throughout the community.